Bicycle force balancing mechanism with a brake arm actuation assembly and a pivot member for dual main brake cable segments

ABSTRACT

A dual cable force balancing mechanism for use with a pair of main brake cable segments and a pair of rear brake arms of a bicycle. The dual cable force balancing mechanism includes a brake arm actuation assembly defining a longitudinal axis positionable between the main brake cable segments. The brake arm actuation assembly is attachable to the rear brake arms. The dual cable force balancing mechanism further includes a pivot member including main attachment portions disposed about the longitudinal axis for respectively attaching the main cable segments. The pivot member is rotatably coupled to the brake arm actuation assembly for pivoting the pivot member with respect to the longitudinal axis.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/684,010, filed on Oct. 10, 2003, and claimspriority thereto, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to bicycle braking systems, andin particular to a bicycle force balancing mechanism with a brake armactuation assembly and a pivot member for dual main brake cablesegments.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Bicycle trick or stunt riding has placed specialized requirements uponthe design of rear brake assemblies. A rear brake assembly of a bicycleincludes a rear hand brake lever mounted upon handlebars of the bicycle.The rear brake assembly further includes a pair of brake arms mounted toa bicycle frame for braking of a rear wheel of the bicycle. The brakearms are commonly of a U-brake configuration. Some form of cablinginterconnects the rear hand brake lever to the brake arms. Squeezing ofthe rear hand brake lever imparts tension into such cabling whichresults in actuation of the brake arms. In this regard, brake pads areattached to each brake arm and are cooperatively configured to applyforces against rear wheel in a pinching manner for braking of the rearwheel. Design focus has been placed upon the cabling configurationbetween the rear hand brake lever and the rear brake arms.

Use of a cable detangler or cable decoupler allows for riders to dovarious tricks involving spinning of the handlebars without limitationsof the brake cabling being twisted about the base of the handlebarsafter only a single rotation. As such, trick or BMX style bicycles arecharacterized as having a rear brake assembly with such a cabledetangler. A cable detangler typically includes a detangler ball bearingset with inner and outer races. Squeezing of the rear hand brake leverpulls upon a cable (sometimes two cables) that terminates at one of theraces of the detangler ball bearing set. A pair of rear main brakecables is routed to extend from the other race rearward along thebicycle frame to the rear brake arms. This configuration is commonlyreferred to as a dual rear brake cable configuration. As such, it isunderstood that the cable detangler allows for transmission of the cabletension initiated by the squeezing of the rear brake lever through thecable detangler while freeing the handlebars to spin in relation to thebicycle frame.

During a trick involving spinning of the handlebars, the inner and outerraces of the cable detangler may tend to reciprocally “flop” or snapfrom position to position associated with the limits of such “play” inthe ball bearing races. This flopping impairs the smooth spinning of thehandlebars and often results in jerky movement and an undesirableaudible clicking. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for animproved bicycle rear brake assembly configuration in comparison to theprior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention can be regarded as a dual cable forcebalancing mechanism for use with a pair of main brake cable segments anda pair of rear brake arms of a bicycle. The dual cable force balancingmechanism includes a brake arm actuation assembly defining alongitudinal axis positionable between the main brake cable segments.The brake arm actuation assembly is attachable to the rear brake arms.The dual cable force balancing mechanism further includes a pivot memberincluding main attachment portions disposed about the longitudinal axisfor respectively attaching the main cable segments. The pivot member isrotatably coupled to the brake arm actuation assembly for pivoting thepivot member with respect to the longitudinal axis.

It is contemplated that dual cable force balancing mechanism may be usedwith a bicycle having a cable detangler for allowing handlebars of thebicycle to freely rotate. The dual cable force balancing mechanism maybe installed with the main brake cable segments connected to the cabledetangler. The present invention recognizes that unequal tension in themain brake cable segments is a significant underlying cause of the cableflop phenomenon associated with the cable detangler when the handlebarsare fully rotated. Such unequal tension may be a result of relativeunequal lengths of the main brake cable segments that may result fromloose manufacturing tolerances, improper installation, and defects inand wear of the various brake assembly components. The pivot memberallows for the dual cable force balancing mechanism to “actively”compensate or adjust for unequal lengths of the main brake cablesegments during rotation of the handlebars of the bicycle. This allowsfor the transmission of force between the dual cable force balancingmechanism and the cable detangler substantially equally through the twomain brake cable segments to mitigate the cable flop phenomenon.

According to various embodiments, the brake arm actuation assembly mayinclude a pair of rear brake cable segments attachable to the rear brakearms. Each of the rear brake cable segments is disposed in mechanicalcommunication with the pivot member. The brake arm actuation assemblymay further include a hanger body. The hanger body is rotatably coupledto the pivot member. The hanger body includes rear attachment portionsrespective positionable about the longitudinal axis. The rear brakecable segments are attached to the hanger body respectively at the rearattachment portions. The hanger body may include a lip with the rearattachment portions disposed along the lip. The rear brake cablesegments may be integrated into a single cable and the lip may beconfigured to engage the rear brake cable segments with the rear brakecable segments being looped about the lip. The hanger body may include apivot member support and the lip may extend from the pivot membersupport. In another arrangement, the pivot member support includes firstand second plates, and the lip extends between the first and secondplates. The pivot member may be rotatably connected to and between thefirst and second plates. The rear brake cable segments may be rotatablyattached to the hanger body respectively at the rear attachmentportions. In an embodiment, the pivot member is a cross bar havingopposing ends and a central portion. The pivot member is attached to thehanger body at the central portion, and the main attachment portions arerespectively disposed adjacent the opposing ends. In another embodiment,the pivot member is a pulley and includes a central portion. The pivotmember is attached to the hanger body at the central portion. The dualcable force balancing mechanism may further include a fastener rotatablycoupling the pivot member to the hanger body. The main brake cablesegments may be integrated into a single cable, and the pivot member isconfigured to engage the main brake cable segments with the main brakecable segments being looped about the pivot member. The pivot memberincludes a pivot pin element disposed between the main attachmentportions and positionable orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and therear brake cable segments are joined at the pivot pin element. In anembodiment, the rear brake cable segments are cooperatively looped overthe pin element with the pin element. In another embodiment, the rearbrake cable segments are cooperatively wound about the pin element. Therear brake cable segments may take the form of a single spring wire. Thepivot member may be rotatably attachable to the main brake cables.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided abicycle. The bicycle includes a bicycle frame and a rear wheel supportedby the bicycle frame. The bicycle further includes a rear brakeassembly. The rear brake assembly includes a rear brake lever and a pairof main brake cable segments in mechanical communication with the rearbrake lever. The rear brake assembly further includes a pair of rearbrake arms in operable communication with the rear wheel. The rear brakeassembly further includes a dual cable force balancing mechanism. Thedual cable force balancing mechanism includes a brake arm actuationassembly defining a longitudinal axis positioned between the main brakecable segments. The brake arm actuation assembly is attached to the rearbrake arms. The dual cable force balancing mechanism further includes apivot member including main attachment portions disposed about thelongitudinal axis. The main cable segments are respectively attached tothe pivot member at main attachment portions, the pivot member beingrotatably coupled to the brake arm actuation assembly for pivoting thepivot member with respect to the longitudinal axis.

According to various embodiments, the dual cable force balancingmechanism may include a pair of rear brake cable segments attached tothe rear brake arms. Each of the rear brake cable segments is disposedin mechanical communication with the pivot member. The dual cable forcebalancing mechanism may be as described above. Further, the bicycleframe may include a seat post portion, and the dual cable forcebalancing mechanism may be disposed between the seat post portion andthe rear brake arms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle including a dual cable forcebalancing mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the dual cable forcebalancing mechanism of FIG. 1 as shown with portions of main brake cablesegments and portions of rear brake cable segments;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the dual cable force balancing mechanism ofFIG. 1 as assembled, as shown with portions of the main brake cablesegments, the rear brake cable segments, and rear brake arms;

FIG. 4 is a plan view similar to the view of FIG. 3, however, of a dualcable force balancing mechanism according to another aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view similar to the view of FIG. 3, however, of a dualcable force balancing mechanism according to another aspect of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 6 is a side view of the dual cable force balancing mechanism ofFIG. 5 as seen along axis 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view similar t the view of FIG. 3, however, of a dualcable force balancing mechanism according to another aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the dual cable force balancing mechanism of FIG.7 as seen along axis 8-8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a plan view similar t the view of FIG. 3, however, of a dualcable force balancing mechanism according to another aspect of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 10 is a top view of the dual cable force balancing mechanism ofFIG. 9 as seen along axis 10 ⁻¹⁰ of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, andnot for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a bicyclewith rear brake related elements in accordance with the aspects of thepresent invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a perspective view of abicycle 10 including a dual cable force balancing mechanism 12 inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention. For ease ofillustrating the present invention selected portions of the bicycle 10are shown in phantom lining. The bicycle 10 includes a bicycle frame 14.The bicycle frame 14 supports front and rear wheels 16, 18. Handlebars20 are rotatably coupled to the bicycle frame 14. A front brake lever 22is mounted to the handlebars 20. The front brake lever 22 is cableconnected to front brake arms 24, 26 which are configured to apply abraking force to the front wheel 16. A rear brake lever 28 is furthermounted to the handlebars 20. The rear brake lever 28 is cable connectedto a pair of rear brake arms 30, 32 that are configured to apply abraking force to the rear wheel 18.

In the embodiment shown, a rear brake lever cable 34 is attached to therear brake lever 28. The rear brake cable 34 is split into a pair ofsegments 36. As is common with BMX style bicycles, at a base of thehandlebars 20 adjacent the bicycle frame 14 there is provided a cabledetangler 38. The cable detangler 38 allows for riders to do varioustricks involving spinning of the handlebars 20 without limitations ofthe rear brake cabling being twisted about the base of the handlebars 20after only a single rotation. The cable detangler 38 may include adetangler bearing set with inner and outer races. As seen in FIG. 3, therear brake arms 30, 32 each include brake pads 62 which are configuredto engage the rear wheel 18. Squeezing of the rear brake lever 28 pullsupon the rear brake cable 34 and the segments 36 that are attached toone of the races of the cable detangler 38. A pair of main cablesegments 40, 42 is attached to the other race of the cable detangler 38.This configuration is commonly referred to as a dual rear brake cableconfiguration. The main brake cable segments 40, 42 are routed to extendfrom the cable detangler 38 rearward along the bicycle frame 14 inmechanical communication with the rear brake arms 30, 32. As such, it isunderstood that the cable detangler 38 allows for transmission of thecable tension initiated by the squeezing of the rear brake lever 28through the cable detangler 38 while freeing the handlebars 20 to spinin relation to the bicycle frame 14.

Referring now to FIG. 2 there is depicted an enlarged explodedperspective view of the dual cable force balancing mechanism 12 of FIG.1 as shown with a portion of the main brake cable segments 40, 42 andportions of a pair rear brake cable segments 44, 46 of the pair of rearbrake arms 30, 32 of the bicycle 10. Referring additionally to FIG. 3there is depicted a plan view of the dual cable force balancingmechanism 12 of FIG. 1 as assembled, as shown along with portions of themain brake cable segments 40, 42, the rear brake cable segments 44, 46,and the rear brake arms 30, 32.

An aspect of the present invention can be regarded as the dual cableforce balancing mechanism 12 for use with the pair of main brake cablesegments 40, 42 and the pair of rear brake arms 30, 32 of the bicycle10. The dual cable force balancing mechanism 12 includes a brake armactuation assembly 47 defining a longitudinal axis 50 positionablebetween the main brake cable segments 40, 42. The brake arm actuationassembly 47 is attachable to the rear brake arms 30, 32. The dual cableforce balancing mechanism 12 further includes a pivot member 56including main attachment portions 58, 60 disposed about thelongitudinal axis 50 for respectively attaching the main brake cablesegments 40, 42. The pivot member 56 is rotatably coupled to the brakearm actuation assembly 47 for pivoting the pivot member 56 with respectto the longitudinal axis 50.

It is contemplated that dual cable force balancing mechanism 12 may beused with the bicycle 10 having the cable detangler 38 for allowing thehandlebars 20 of the bicycle 10 to freely rotate. The dual cable forcebalancing mechanism 12 may be installed with the main brake cablesegments 40, 42 connected to the cable detangler 38. The presentinvention recognizes that unequal tension in the main brake cablesegments 38 is a significant underlying cause of the cable flopphenomenon associated with the cable detangler 38 when the handlebars 20are fully rotated. Such unequal tension may be a result of relativeunequal lengths of the main brake cable segments 40, 42 that may resultfrom loose manufacturing tolerances, improper installation, and defectsin and wear of the various brake assembly components. The pivot member56 allows for the dual cable force balancing mechanism 12 to “actively”compensate or adjust for unequal lengths of the main brake cablesegments 40, 42 during rotation of the handlebars 20 of the bicycle 10.The pivot action of the pivot member 56 is indicated in FIG. 3 with thecurved double-headed arrows. This pivot action allows each of the twomain brake cables 40, 42 to transmit a substantially equal force fromthe cable detangler 38 to the brake arm actuation assembly 47 tomitigate the cable flop phenomenon. As such, the pivot action allows thedual cable force balancing mechanism 12 to perform a force balancing inthe transfer of tension initiated by the pulling of the rear brake lever28 to actuate the rear brake arms 30, 32.

In further detail according to various embodiments, the main brake cablesegments 40, 42 are formed and routed to be generally parallel adjacentthe dual cable force balancing mechanism 12. The main brake cablesegments 40, 42 are engaged with the dual cable force balancingmechanism 12 with the main brake cable segments 40, 42 adjacent the dualcable force balancing mechanism 12 being generally aligned with thelongitudinal axis 50.

The main brake cable segments 40, 42 may be engaged to the pivot member56 in a variety ways. In this regard, in the embodiment shown, the pivotmember 56 takes the form of a cross bar having opposing ends 64, 66 anda central portion 68. The main attachment portions 58, 60 arerespectively disposed adjacent the opposing ends 64, 66. A fitting 70 isattached to each of the opposing ends 64, 66 with a fastener 72. Thefittings 70 and the pivot member 56 are cooperatively configured torespectively capture and clamp the main brake cable segments 40, 42 atthe main attachment portions 58, 60. The fasteners 72 may each bereceived in fastener engagement holes 74 formed in the pivot member 56.The main attachment portions 58, 60 may each include a groove 76 asshown in FIG. 2. Each groove 76 is formed to respectively accommodateand receive the main brake cable segments 40, 42 for secure engagementand desired positioning of the main brake cable segments 40, 42.

Though not shown it is contemplated that the main brake cable segments40, 42 may include barrel adjusters at either of their ends to adjustthe relative lengths of the main brake cable segments 40, 42 so as tofine tune the tension in the main brake cable segments 40, 42. However,it is understood that the incorporation of the pivot element 56 and itspivoting action advantageously compensates for differential relativelengths in the main brake cable segments 40, 42 to maintain asubstantially equal tension.

The brake arm actuation assembly 47 may include the pair of rear brakecable segments 44, 46. The rear brake cable segments 44, 46 may beattachable to the rear brake arms 30, 32. Each of the rear brake cablesegments 44, 46 may be disposed in mechanical communication with thepivot member 56. The brake arm actuation assembly 47 may further includea hanger body 48. The hanger body 48 is rotatably coupled to the pivotmember 56. The hanger body includes rear attachment portion 52, 54respectively positionable about the longitudinal axis 50. The rear brakecable segments 44, 46 are attached to the hanger body 48 respectively atthe rear attachment portions 52, 54.

The pivot member 56 may be attached to the hanger body 48 at the centralportion 68. This may be accomplished through any number of ways. Forexample, as shown a fastener 78 is disposed through the pivot member 56at the central portion 68 and is engaged with the hanger body 48.

The hanger body 48 may include a lip 80. The rear attachment portions52, 54 are disposed along the lip 80. In this regard, the rearattachment portions 52, 54 take the form of curved surfaces along aninner portion of the lip 80. The hanger body 48 may further include apivot member support 82 and the lip 80 may extend from the pivot membersupport 82. The hanger body 48, in particular the pivot member support82, may be integrally formed with the lip 80. The rear brake cablesegments 44, 46 may be integrated into a single cable. The lip 80 may beconfigured to engage the rear brake cable segments 44, 46 with the rearbrake cable segments 44, 46 being looped about the lip 80.

As shown in FIG. 3, the rear brake cable segments 44, 46 arerespectively attached to the rear brake arms 30, 32. In this regard, therear brake arms 30, 32 may each include a cable end 84 and an opposingbrake pad end 86. The brake pad ends 86 each respectively support thebrake pads 62. Fasteners 88 may be used to clamp down and attach therear brake cable segments 44, 46 to the cable ends 84. It iscontemplated that the rear brake cable segments 44, 46 may be integrallyformed as shown.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is providedthe bicycle 10 including the bicycle frame 14, the rear wheel 18supported by the bicycle frame 14, and a rear brake assembly includingthe rear brake lever 28, the main brake cable segments 40, 42, the rearbrake arms 30, 32, the rear brake cable segments 44, 46, and the dualcable force balancing mechanism 12. The bicycle frame 14 may include aseat post portion 90 as shown in FIG. 1, and the dual cable forcebalancing mechanism 12 may be disposed between the seat post portion 90and the rear brake arms 30, 32. It is contemplated that such positioningof the dual cable force balancing mechanism 12 results in the rear brakecable segments 44, 46 having an incident angle with the cable ends 84 ofthe rear brake arms 30, 32 to be substantially normal for providing ahigh degree of leverage. Thus, this facilitates that the effectivemoment arm of the brake arms 30, 32 may be relatively maximized, incomparison to positioning of the dual cable force balancing mechanism 12at other locations of the bicycle 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4 there is depicted a plan view similar to theview of FIG. 3, however of a dual cable force balancing mechanism 92according to another aspect of the present invention. The dual cableforce balancing mechanism 92 is similar in configuration to the dualcable force balancing mechanism 12, however with the differences noted,and like reference numerals indicate like structures. This embodimentcontemplates that there is provided rear brake cable segments 96 thatare discrete members. In this regard, the dual cable force balancingmechanism 92 includes a hanger body 94 that is configured to engage therear brake cable segments 96. The hanger body 94 includes rearattachment portions 98, 100. Fasteners 102 and fittings 104 may be usedto respectively clamp the rear brake cable segments 96 to the hangerbody 92 at the rear attachment portions 98, 100. The rear brake cablesegments 96 may be rotatably coupled to the hanger body 94 as indicatedby the double-headed arrows.

Referring now to FIG. 5 there is depicted a plan view similar to theview of FIG. 3, however of a dual cable force balancing mechanism 106according to yet another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 is aside view of the dual cable force balancing mechanism 106 of FIG. 5 asseen along axis 6-6. The dual cable force balancing mechanism 106 issimilar in configuration to dual cable force balancing mechanism 12,however with the differences noted, and like reference numerals indicatelike structures.

Among other things, this embodiment features that the main brake cablesegments 108, 110 are integrated into a single cable. The dual cableforce balancing mechanism 106 includes a pivot member 112 rotatablycoupled to a hanger body 114. The pivot member 112 may take the form ofa pulley. The pivot member 112 includes a central portion 116 and thepivot member 112 is attached to the hanger body 114 at the centralportion 116. A fastener 118, such as a pin, may be used to couple thepivot member 112 with the hanger body 114. The pivot member 112 isconfigured to engage the main brake cable segments 108, 110. In thisregard, the pivot member 112 may be configured to engage the main brakecable segments 108, 110 with the main brake cable segments 108, 110being looped about the pivot member 112. The pivot member 112 includesmain attachments portions 120, 122 which are disposed along a radiallyoutward facing peripheral groove 124 (as seen in cross section in FIG.6). The hanger body 114 may include a pivot member support includingfirst and second plates 126, 128. The pivot member 112 is rotatablyconnected to and between the first and second plates 126, 128. A lip 130extends between the first and second plates 126, 128. The lip 130 may beconfigured to engage the rear brake cable segments 44, 46. The lip 130includes rear attachment portions 132, 134 of the hanger body 114.

Referring now to FIG. 7 there is depicted a plan view similar to theview of FIG. 3, however of a dual cable force balancing mechanism 136according to yet another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 8 is atop view of the dual cable force balancing mechanism 136 of FIG. 7 asseen along axis 8-8. The dual cable force balancing mechanism 136 issimilar in configuration to dual cable force balancing mechanism 12,however with the differences noted, and like reference numerals indicatelike structures.

Among other things, this embodiment features a pivot member 138 that maybe rotatably coupled to the main brake cable segments 40, 42 asindicated with double-headed arrows. In this regard, the main brakecable segments 40, 42 may pass through rotatable fasteners 140 locatedat main attachment portions 142, as shown in FIG. 8. The pivot member138 may include a pivot pin element 144 disposed between the mainattachment portions 142 and positionable orthogonal to the longitudinalaxis 50. In this embodiment, there are provided rear brake cablesegments 146 that are integrally formed and are joined at the pivot pinelement 144. The rear brake cable segments 146 may be formed of a singlespring wire. The rear brake cable segments 146 are cooperatively woundabout the pin element 144. In this embodiment, the dual cable forcebalancing mechanism 136 includes a brake arm actuation assembly 148 thatis simply formed of the rear brake cable segments 146. In this form, itis contemplated that the pivot member 138 may rotate with respect to thebrake arm actuation assembly 148 about the pivot pin element 144.Advantageously, the use of a spring wire may serve a dual purpose of notonly transferring force from the main brake cable segments 40, 42 to therear brake arms 30, 32, but also may act as a return spring forpositioning the rear brake arms 30, 32 prior to and after actuation.

Referring now to FIG. 9 there is depicted a plan view similar to theview of FIG. 3, however of a dual cable force balancing mechanism 150according to yet another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 10 is atop view of the dual cable force balancing mechanism 150 of FIG. 9 asseen along axis 10 ⁻¹⁰. The dual cable force balancing mechanism 150 issimilar in configuration to dual cable force balancing mechanism 150,however with the differences noted, and like reference numerals indicatelike structures.

Among other things, this embodiment features a pivot member 152 that maybe coupled to the main brake cable segments 40, 42 at main attachmentportions 154. The pivot member 152 may include a pivot pin element 156disposed between the main attachment portions 154 and positionableorthogonal to the longitudinal axis 50. In this embodiment, there areprovided rear brake cable segments 158 that are integrally formed andare joined at the pivot pin element 156. The rear brake cable segments146 are cooperatively loop over the pivot pin element 156. In thisembodiment, the dual cable force balancing mechanism 150 includes abrake arm actuation assembly 160 that is simply formed of the rear brakecable segments 158. In this form, it is contemplated that the pivotmember 138 may rotate and be disposed in sliding contact with the brakearm actuation assembly 160 at the pivot pin element 156.

While an illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the variousaspects of the invention have been described in detail herein, it is tobe understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variouslyembodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to beconstrued to include such variations except insofar as limited by theprior art.

1. A dual cable force balancing mechanism for use with a pair of mainbrake cable segments and a pair of rear brake arms of a bicycle, thedual cable force balancing mechanism comprising: a brake arm actuationassembly defining a longitudinal axis positionable between the mainbrake cable segments, the brake arm actuation assembly being attachableto the rear brake arms; and a pivot member including main attachmentportions disposed about the longitudinal axis for respectively attachingthe main cable segments, the pivot member being rotatably coupled to thebrake arm actuation assembly for pivoting the pivot member with respectto the longitudinal axis.
 2. The dual cable force balancing mechanism ofclaim 1 wherein the brake arm actuation assembly includes a pair of rearbrake cable segments attachable to the rear brake arms, each of the rearbrake cable segments is disposed in mechanical communication with thepivot member.
 3. The dual cable force balancing mechanism of claim 2wherein the brake arm actuation assembly includes a hanger body, thehanger body is rotatably coupled to the pivot member, the hanger bodyincludes rear attachment portions respective positionable about thelongitudinal axis, the rear brake cable segments are attached to thehanger body respectively at the rear attachment portions.
 4. The dualcable force balancing mechanism of claim 3 wherein the hanger bodyincludes a lip with the rear attachment portions disposed along the lip,the rear brake cable segments are integrated into a single cable and thelip is configured to engage the rear brake cable segments with the rearbrake cable segments being looped about the lip.
 5. The dual cable forcebalancing mechanism of claim 4 wherein the hanger body includes a pivotmember support and the lip extends from the pivot member support.
 6. Thedual cable force balancing mechanism of claim 4 wherein the hanger bodyincludes a pivot member support, the pivot member support includes firstand second plates, the lip extends between the first and second plates,the pivot member is rotatably connected to and between the first andsecond plates.
 7. The dual cable force balancing mechanism of claim 3wherein the rear brake cable segments are rotatably attached to thehanger body respectively at the rear attachment portions.
 8. The dualcable force balancing mechanism of claim 3 wherein the pivot member is across bar having opposing ends and a central portion, the pivot memberis attached to the hanger body at the central portion, the mainattachment portions are respectively disposed adjacent the opposingends.
 9. The dual cable force balancing mechanism of claim 3 wherein thepivot member is a pulley and includes a central portion, the pivotmember is attached to the hanger body at the central portion.
 10. Thedual cable force balancing mechanism of claim 3 further includes afastener rotatably coupling the pivot member to the hanger body.
 11. Thedual cable force balancing mechanism of claim 2 wherein the main brakecable segments are integrated into a single cable, the pivot member isconfigured to engage the main brake cable segments with the main brakecable segments being looped about the pivot member.
 12. The dual cableforce balancing mechanism of claim 2 wherein the pivot member includes apivot pin element disposed between the main attachment portions andpositionable orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the rear brake cablesegments are joined at the pivot pin element.
 13. The dual cable forcebalancing mechanism of claim 12 wherein the rear brake cable segmentsare cooperatively looped over the pin element with the pivot pinelement.
 14. The dual cable force balancing mechanism of claim 12wherein the rear brake cable segments are cooperatively wound about thepivot pin element.
 15. The dual cable force balancing mechanism of claim14 wherein the rear brake cable segments are formed of a single springwire.
 16. The dual cable force balancing mechanism of claim 1 whereinthe pivot member is rotatably attachable to the main brake cables.
 17. Abicycle comprising: a bicycle frame; a rear wheel supported by thebicycle frame; a rear brake assembly including: a rear brake lever; apair of main brake cable segments in mechanical communication with therear brake lever; a pair of rear brake arms in operable communicationwith the rear wheel; and a dual cable force balancing mechanismincluding: a brake arm actuation assembly defining a longitudinal axispositioned between the main brake cable segments, the brake armactuation assembly being attached to the rear brake arms; and a pivotmember including main attachment portions disposed about thelongitudinal axis, the main cable segments being respectively attachedto the pivot member at main attachment portions, the pivot member beingrotatably coupled to the brake arm actuation assembly for pivoting thepivot member with respect to the longitudinal axis.
 18. The bicycle ofclaim 17 wherein the dual cable force balancing mechanism includes apair of rear brake cable segments attached to the rear brake arms, eachof the rear brake cable segments is disposed in mechanical communicationwith the pivot member.
 19. The bicycle of claim 17 wherein the bicycleframe includes a seat post portion, the dual cable force balancingmechanism is disposed between the seat post portion and the rear brakearms.